The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is widely recognized as one of the most challenging and competitive medical entrance exams in India. It serves as the gateway for admission into prestigious medical and dental colleges, including top government and private institutions. Each year, lakhs of aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals appear for the exam, vying for limited seats across MBBS, BDS, and allied health science programs. Given the intensity of the competition, understanding the NEET exam pass mark becomes a crucial step in shaping your preparation strategy.
The NEET exam pass mark is the minimum score required to qualify for the exam and be eligible for further counseling and admission processes. Simply put, it is the qualifying score that determines whether you are eligible to apply for medical or dental programs. However, merely meeting the pass mark may not guarantee admission to a top-tier medical college, as the overall score, ranking, and availability of seats are also important factors. Therefore, understanding the pass mark in relation to your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, PwD, etc.) is essential.
Every year, the NEET exam pass mark is determined based on a percentile system, which means your score is compared against the scores of all other candidates who appeared for the exam. Typically, for general category students, the pass mark is set at the 50th percentile, while it is relaxed to the 40th percentile for candidates from reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC. This variation in qualifying marks based on category ensures that all students, regardless of their background, get an opportunity to pursue a career in medicine.
In this guide, we will explore the pass mark for NEET exam, looking at factors such as category-wise cutoffs, total marks distribution, and strategies that can help you surpass the pass mark and secure a higher ranking. By setting realistic goals and targeting the right score, you can increase your chances of getting admission to your dream medical or dental college.
What is the NEET Exam Pass Mark?
The NEET exam pass mark refers to the minimum score a candidate must secure to qualify for further rounds of counseling and admission processes. The pass mark for NEET exam differs according to categories like General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities). Clearing the pass mark in NEET exam is the first step in your journey to becoming a medical professional.
In simpler terms, the passing marks of NEET exam indicate the score that ensures a candidate is eligible to appear in the counseling process for medical and dental colleges.
NEET Exam Total Marks and Pass Mark Breakdown
The NEET exam is conducted for a total of 720 marks, distributed across three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each correct answer is awarded four marks, while an incorrect answer results in a deduction of one mark. This negative marking system plays a crucial role in determining the final score.
- Physics: 45 questions (180 marks)
- Chemistry: 45 questions (180 marks)
- Biology: 90 questions (360 marks)
So, the NEET exam total marks and pass mark is 720, with the final passing cutoff varying based on a candidate’s category. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the NEET exam works:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
|
Physics |
45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 |
180 |
|
Biology |
90 |
360 |
What Determines the NEET Exam Pass Mark?
The NEET exam pass mark is not fixed and can vary each year depending on several factors:
- Number of candidates appearing: More candidates lead to tougher competition, potentially raising the passing marks of NEET exam.
- Difficulty level of the exam: In years when the exam is considered more challenging, the pass mark for NEET exam may be lower.
- Available seats: The total number of medical and dental seats available influences the cutoff, with fewer seats potentially raising the cutoff.
- Category-based relaxation: Reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates have lower qualifying marks compared to the general category.
These factors work in tandem to determine the pass mark in NEET exam for a given year.
NEET Exam Pass Mark Category-Wise (Based on Previous Trends)
The passing marks of NEET exam vary significantly depending on the candidate’s category. Here’s a look at the minimum marks required for each category:
|
Category |
Minimum Percentile |
Approximate Marks (Out of 720) |
|
General |
50th Percentile | 138-720 |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th Percentile |
108-137 |
|
General-PwD |
45th Percentile | 122-137 |
| SC/ST/OBC-PwD | 40th Percentile |
108-121 |
For general category candidates, the NEET exam pass mark is set around the 50th percentile, while for reserved categories, the pass mark for NEET exam is usually set at the 40th percentile.
NEET Exam Pass Mark for 720: Aiming for the Top
The NEET exam pass mark for 720 is an ambitious goal, but some students achieve this incredible feat each year. Scoring 720 out of 720 would mean answering all questions correctly, without any mistakes. While it’s not necessary to score a perfect 720 to qualify, achieving a score close to 720 can help secure admission to top medical colleges like AIIMS, JIPMER, and other premier institutions.
To reach the NEET exam pass mark for 720, candidates must focus on mastering each subject—especially Biology, as it carries the maximum weightage in the exam.
In NEET Exam How Many Marks Pass?
A common question candidates ask is, “In NEET exam how many marks pass?” The answer varies depending on the category:
- General category: Typically requires scoring between 138-145 out of 720.
- SC/ST/OBC categories: Usually, a score between 108-137 is enough to qualify.
- General-PwD candidates: Scoring around 122-137 marks is generally required to clear the pass mark in NEET exam.
For each category, the NEET exam pass mark depends on the relative performance of all candidates, making it important to aim for a higher score to secure a seat in a reputable college.
Strategies to Achieve the NEET Exam Pass Mark
To achieve the NEET exam pass mark, here are some strategies that can help:
- Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Prioritize subjects and chapters with higher weightage, such as Genetics in Biology or Mechanics in Physics.
- Use NCERT and Supplementary Books: NCERT is the base for NEET, but referring to additional books such as neet exam syllabus books (e.g., H.C. Verma for Physics, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry) can give you a competitive edge.
- Practice Regularly: Solving past papers and taking mock tests will help you gauge your performance and identify areas for improvement. It also helps with time management.
- Revise Often: Consistent revision is key to retaining information and performing well during the exam.
FAQs
1. What is the NEET exam pass mark?
The NEET exam pass mark refers to the minimum marks required to qualify for the NEET exam. It varies by category but generally ranges between 138-145 for the general category and 108-137 for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
2. What is the pass mark for NEET exam for general category?
For the general category, the pass mark for NEET exam is usually around 138-145 marks out of 720, depending on the overall difficulty of the exam.
3. In NEET exam how many marks pass for SC/ST candidates?
For SC/ST candidates, the pass mark in NEET exam typically ranges from 108-137 marks.
4. What is the NEET exam pass mark for 720?
Scoring 720 in NEET would mean securing full marks. Although not necessary to qualify, a high score ensures top ranks and admission to prestigious colleges.
5. What are the total marks in NEET and the pass mark?
The NEET exam total marks and pass mark are 720. General category candidates need at least 138-145 marks to pass, while reserved categories typically require 108-137 marks.
6. How is the NEET exam pass mark decided?
The NEET exam pass mark is determined by factors such as the number of candidates, exam difficulty, and available seats. It’s calculated in percentile form.
7. How can I ensure I meet the NEET exam pass mark?
Focus on Biology (which has the most weight), practice consistently, and aim for accuracy to meet the NEET exam pass mark.
8. What is the pass mark for NEET exam for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates typically need to score between 108-137 marks to pass the NEET exam.
9. Is NCERT enough to clear the NEET exam pass mark?
NCERT is crucial, especially for Biology. However, to achieve higher marks, supplementary study material is recommended.
10. Is the NEET exam pass mark the same every year?
No, the NEET exam pass mark varies slightly each year depending on the overall performance of candidates and the difficulty level of the exam.